A Wedding to Remember
(This article was originally published on LinkedIn on July 1, 2025 )
It’s been over five weeks since my last reflection — and for good reason. Life swept me into a whirlwind of celebration, planning, logistics, and deep emotion as we prepared for my daughter Srushti's wedding. What began as a single ceremony evolved into a five-event extravaganza spread across four challenging days.
From shopping and scheduling to the long tail of follow-up and recovery, it’s been anything but “normal.” And yet, somehow, everything felt exactly right. For someone who once swore off marriage altogether, Srushti's transformation has been a decade in the making. She searched for the right man — and she found him in Craig, a gentle, thoughtful soul. Their journey hasn’t been linear. Like most real-life stories, it came with its own set of detours and potholes. But in the end, they stood side-by-side, ready to begin a new chapter.
There was a time in my life when I viewed weddings as a waste of time, effort, and resources — hollow rituals performed to satisfy egos or meet social expectations. But this experience taught me otherwise. Done with the right intent, anchored in love and care, a wedding can be a celebration of genuine togetherness. It can be a public expression of a deeply personal commitment — to love, to grow, to nourish.
Coming from different religious backgrounds, Srushti and Craig took their time — not just to decide to marry, but to shape every element of the ceremony. Rituals were questioned, edited, and reimagined. Nothing was done just for tradition’s sake. Instead, everything was designed to be real and meaningful to both of them — and to us, their families and friends. I felt blessed to witness something rare: two young adults declaring their commitment to a life of love, with thoughtful intention and joy.
It’s a cliché to say that weddings are not just about two individuals but about two families coming together — and yet, clichés exist for a reason. This wedding promises to be a union not only of hearts but of histories, cultures, and hopes.
Given my own personal story (a tale for another day), I was especially conscious about ensuring that the communication surrounding the wedding was clear, open, and caring. It mattered that everyone felt included — and seen. Of course, life will throw its share of trials their way. But there is a calm confidence in knowing that they will meet those challenges with grace and dignity. Together, they have built a strong foundation — not just for a wedding day, but for a lifetime of love and partnership. I, along with their families and friends, will always be there — to support, to listen, and to celebrate the little joys of life as they come.
And finally, what joy it is to be the Baba (father) of a wise, radiant bride, Srushti and the father-in-law to a kind, loving man, Craig. Throughout the whirlwind of events and preparations, I was overwhelmed by the love and goodwill of our community — friends and family, who showed up with open hearts.
This entire journey reaffirmed my faith in the beauty of human love.
